Mini Electric concept

“A quick glance at the Mini Electric concept is enough to see that the EV is actually a reworked Cooper”

A quick glance at the Mini Electric concept is enough to see that the EV is actually a reworked Cooper. Now before you say that Mini should’ve created a more futuristic vehicle, keep in mind that the Cooper is the company’s most iconic car and the company’s best shot to make it in this niche. Also, the concept sports quite a few modifications compared to the standard model, so as far as design goes, I like it a lot.

The front fascia brings quite a few new features. While the typical hexagonal grille retains the shape and size of the Cooper, its design is completely different. Since the electric drivetrain requires very little cooling, the traditional grille was closed in order to improve aerodynamics. A Striking Yellow accent stripe and round “E” badge complete this assembly.

The modern Mini Cooper was launched in 2001, some 42 years after the British firm launched the original model. This time build under BMW Group ownership, the Mini became more of a fashion statement rather than an affordable, people’s car, but this is exactly what turned it into a big hit. Redesigned in 2006 and 2013, the Cooper grew larger and larger and gained more technology with each generation. In 2017, Mini introduced its first hybrid model, the S E Countryman All4, and it’s now looking to launch its first-ever electric car. And it just unveiled the Mini Electric Concept ahead of the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Designed as a preview for a production model that will be introduced in 2019, the Mini Electric Concept arrives almost ten year since Mini built its first EV, the Mini E. More of a demonstration vehicle rather than a production car, the Mini E was produced between 2009 and 2010 in the form of a three-door Cooper. More than 600 cars were deployed in several countries for on-road testing in a project that eventually led to a couple of BMW trial cars and finally the i3. A modern reinterpretation of the Mini E, the Electric Concept moves Mini one step closer to joining the EV market. It’s a bit late to the party, but as they say, better late than never.

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